A thousand-year-old history and versatile uses
Neem oil, this botanical wonder straight from the lands of India, is a real ally for taking care of your plants. With a history that goes back to antiquity and its multiple uses, it deserves a little moment of glory.
Neem Oil: An Ancient History
A treasure from ancient India
The history of neem oil begins long ago in ancient India. The neem tree, or "Azadirachta indica", was considered one of the most sacred trees there.
In Ayurvedic medicine (a traditional medicine originating from India), its seeds were transformed into a precious oil used in various rituals and treatments .
Fun fact: Mahatma Gandhi meditated under a Neem tree and took the leaves daily in the form of chutney or herbal tea to boost his health, according to popular rumor.
Extraction of neem oil
Neem oil is extracted by cold pressing the fruits and seeds of the tree. It is a simple but effective process that produces an oil rich in beneficial nutrients. However, it is a heat-sensitive oil that prefers to be kept cool and shaded to retain all its properties.
Moreover, this oil may sometimes solidify if the temperature is too low.
Its composition:
- Essential fatty acids : oleic acid (Omega-9) in quantity, a nourishing, softening monounsaturated fatty acid . And palmitic acid, a nourishing, restructuring and antimicrobial saturated fatty acid. With them, neem oil is particularly softening, moisturizing and protective.
- Antioxidants: carotenoids, vitamin E which will repair and regenerate, protect, it is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- A secret weapon: Azadirachtin A is a very complex natural insecticide, almost impossible to reproduce synthetically, is the “ anti ” active ingredient in neem oil: antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic…
Its virtues for indoor plants
A super natural insecticide
Looking for a natural way to protect your houseplants? Neem oil is here for that! Used as a biopesticide, it is effective against more than 400 species of arthropods.
Neem oil is a real ally for your indoor plants. It offers natural protection against many parasites and diseases, both as a treatment and as a preventative measure.
Protection against parasites
Neem oil is effective against a wide variety of pests that can attack your houseplants, such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. These little intruders can cause significant damage, but with neem oil, you can repel them naturally .
In addition to its insecticidal properties, neem oil helps boost the overall health of your houseplants. It acts as a natural tonic, stimulating growth and improving disease resistance.
By incorporating it regularly into your Plantcare routine , you can prevent some pest attacks.
How to Use Neem Oil for Your Houseplants
Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to using neem oil on your houseplants:
- Mix 20 drops of neem oil per 100 ml of water in a spray bottle.
- Shake the mixture well so that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spray generously on the leaves of your plants, making sure to cover all surfaces, including the undersides of leaves where pests like to hide.
- Do this in the morning or evening to prevent the leaves from burning in the sun.
- To be used as a treatment, when the pests are already there 😈, and also as a prevention
By following these simple steps, you can keep your houseplants healthy and pest-free, all while using a natural, non-toxic method.
Other Uses of Neem Oil
Neem oil is not only beneficial for houseplants, it also has many other practical applications.
- For the home : Neem oil is an excellent repellent against household insects. Spray it on your houseplants to keep away mosquitoes, flies and other pests. You can also use it to protect your furniture and textiles from moths and other unwanted insects.
- And for us: And yes, neem oil is also good for us humans! For problem skin, neem oil helps treat acne, boils and other skin problems. It is also used in hair care. It nourishes the hair, fights dandruff and leaves your hair shiny and healthy.
Neem oil is a real Swiss army knife.
With its multiple uses, it is essential for those who want to take care of their plants.
So, ready to adopt neem oil into your skincare routine?
